Pronunciation Strategy: Plural Words

If you recall last week's post, we discussed the spelling of plural words. Pronunciation, as we know, has much to do with spelling; however, we also know that some words that are spelled with the same letters are pronounced differently. The plural -s is a great example of a letter that can be pronounced 2 different ways!

Before we begin talking about the plural -s, we should understand voiced and voiceless consonants. Say the word "hum" and hold out the last sound. "Hummm." Feel the base of your throat. You should feel a vibration in your throat! Now say the word "hiss" and hold out that last sound as well. "Hissssss." You should feel nothing! These sounds illustrate the difference between voiced and voiceless consonants: Voiced consonants cause a vibration to occur at the base of your throat. Voiceless consonants require no vibration.

Now let's look at the plural -s. In plural words, -s can be pronounced 2 different ways: /s/ and /z/. Say the /s/ sound and hold it out. "Essssss." It's voiceless. Now say the /z/ sound and hold it out. "Zzzzzz." This sound is voiced.

Here's the rule: When the plural -s is placed on a noun that ends with a voiceless consonant, the s sound will also be voiceless, /s/. When the plural -s is placed on a noun that ends with a voiced consonant, the s sound will also be voiced, /z/.

Say the word "dog." Is the final sound, /g/, voiceless or voiced? "Guh." It's voiced. When we place the plural -s on "dog," the final s sound will also be voiced, /z/! "Dogs" is pronounced /dagz/. Now say the word "cat." Is the final sound, /t/, voiceless or voiced? "T." It's voiceless. When we place the plural -s on "cat," the final s sound will also be voiceless, /s/.  "Cats" is pronounced /kæts/. 

Remember also that nouns that end with -s, -z, -sh, -ch, and -x do not simply take the plural -s ending but rather the -es ending. This ending is pronounced the same way no matter what the last sound in the noun is: /əz/. 

Take a moment to test yourself. Would the following nouns be pronounced with a voiceless /s/, a voiced /z/, or /əz/?

hug      kiss      flower      tree      house      yard      chair      desk      

spoon      fork      pen      pencil      teacher      student      letter      

envelope      map      kite      seat      box      tent      hand      finger

Check back on Monday for the answers! If you would like to know more about pronunciation and spelling, contact us at Nomen Global!